Civil partnerships

Welcome to Civil partnerships

Civil partnerships have been in place for a number of years, but there remains a lack of clarity about what legal status they afford to couples who commit to them.

Since they have a similar standing in law to civil marriage, civil partnerships carry with them a range of rights and responsibilities which both partners need to be aware of.

For example, civil partners are generally entitled to the same exemption as married opposite-sex couples with regards to pension benefits, social security and inheritance tax, including property rights, but there can also be differences.

Civil partners have the same rights when it comes to parental responsibility for a partner’s child, including reasonable maintenance of one’s partner and their children.

They also have rights with regard to life insurance, tenancy and next of kin rights in hospitals.

Our expert team has advised on a series of civil partnerships, taking a common sense approach to issues such as financial disputes, inheritance and other family concerns, such as arrangements for children.

We can help with a wide range of issues, from drawing up civil partnership pre-nuptial agreements to cohabitation agreements for same-sex couples.

Our team also has experience advising in cases where civil partnerships have broken down and the partners have pursued a full dissolution.

The Court has the power in the event of the dissolution of a civil partnership to provide financial relief via maintenance orders, dealing with rights to property, pensions or payment of lump sums.

With this in mind, our team can advise you on where you stand in the event of a dissolution and is there to support you and help put your case forward during what can be a difficult time.

Related updates

Independent verdict

"‘Turnaround times, depth of knowledge and client focus are excellent’ at Ward Hadaway."

Legal 500

"Experienced team recognised as a go-to for high net worth individuals and professionals in matters such as premarital agreements."

Chambers & Partners

"Jonathan Flower's team at Ward Hadaway provides 'good' advice."

Legal 500

"Ward Hadaway ‘is making big strides in the Manchester matrimonial scene’, with a ‘first-rate’ department."

Legal 500

"Excellent full-service family group which continues to expand across the North of England. Recognised for its collaborative approach to financial remedy matters and for its work on public law cases involving guardians."

If your browser settings permit, we have placed cookies on your computer for analytics and other site-improvement purposes. You can give or withdraw consent at any time by changing your cookie settings.